ibn sultan
Srinagar, Aug 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday defended the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s decision to increase electricity tariffs by 6.83 per cent, saying the hike has no connection with his government’s electoral promise of providing 200 units of free electricity to the poorest households.
Speaking to reporters, as per news agency JKNS, Omar said the government had never promised that electricity tariffs would not be increased, but had committed to providing 200 units of free power to the poorest sections of society.
“We said that we will give 200 units to the poorest people for free,” Omar said, adding that the government plans to implement the scheme through solar panels.
He maintained that the proposed free electricity scheme and the tariff revision were separate issues and said the government would continue to provide free electricity to those who qualify under the scheme.
Defending the tariff increase, the Chief Minister said the government was not celebrating the decision and described it as a compulsion arising from losses in the power sector.
“We are not celebrating by increasing the rate of electricity. This was our helplessness,” he said.
Omar said efforts were being made to reduce losses in the electricity sector, adding that a reduction in power losses would reduce the need for future tariff increases.
Responding to criticism from the BJP, the Chief Minister said those questioning the tariff hike should also remember previous increases during earlier governments.
He claimed that electricity rates had increased by more than 14 per cent during the BJP’s period of rule, while referring to a 15 per cent increase four years ago.
Omar also cited inflation, fuel prices and the rising cost of goods while defending the government’s decision, saying the present increase was kept to the extent the administration could manage.
The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has approved an average 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariffs for Jammu and Kashmir, with the revised rates scheduled to come into effect from September 1, 2026.
The tariff hike has drawn criticism from opposition parties, including the BJP, PDP and Apni Party, which have demanded that the government roll back the increase. (JKNS)
